NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
After two games in the 2025 NBA Finals, the championship is still very much in play, with the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder locked in a tie.
But as for the Finals MVP, is there a standout contender? Indeed, and it’s not unexpected for anyone who has been following along throughout the regular season, playoffs, and the Finals thus far.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is excelling in every way possible — visually, statistically, and beyond. He has been the most impactful player in this series until proven otherwise, though it would take a significant effort from another player to unseat him.
Historically, however, winning this award often hinges on whether the player’s team secures the championship. Unless Gilgeous-Alexander manages to replicate Jerry West’s 1969 feat — being the lone Finals MVP of a losing team — he will likely need the Thunder to emerge victorious.
As for his competition in this clash? There’s a notable gap between him and the others. A key player missing from this Finals Ladder is Myles Turner, the Pacers’ center, who has outshone OKC’s big men, especially in terms of rim defense and perimeter shooting.
Key stat to note: Shai has set a record with 72 points scored, the most by a player in their Finals debut over the first two games.
What’s being said: “Oh, no, I be frying AC,” remarked Thunder forward Jalen Williams about his practice time against Alex Caruso, later acknowledging Caruso’s skills as “a really good defender.”
2025 Finals statistics: 36 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5.5 apg
Argument for him: There’s no distinction between Gilgeous-Alexander’s performances in the regular season, playoffs, and Finals. He continues to locate his mid-range shooting spots, shoot respectably from distance, and consistently score 30 or more points. This level of excellence has persisted for seven months.
A slight evolution can be seen in Gilgeous-Alexander’s passing skills, as he is finding teammates for easy baskets while maintaining a natural flow in the game. His defensive efforts remain robust as he contributes effectively on both ends of the court.
2025 Finals statistics: 15.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 6 apg
Argument for him: Haliburton’s series has been a rollercoaster, displaying a tale of two halves. In the first halves of the games, he struggled to make an impact. However, he has emerged as one of the top performers during the second halves, highlighted by his game-winning shot in Game 1.
If the Pacers can bring forth a more aggressive and engaged version of Haliburton, as seen in the latter stages of Games 1 and 2, they stand a stronger chance of challenging OKC.
2025 Finals statistics: 15.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 spg
Argument for him: In Game 2, Caruso delivered an impressive 20-point performance (matching his highest output in any Finals game) complemented by solid defense that contributed to OKC’s victory. Known for his inconsistent three-point shooting, Caruso’s 41.7% from beyond the arc in this series is keeping him valuable on the court.
At the very least, he stands out as the leading MVP candidate among bench players, making his performance even more noteworthy. Expect him to continue receiving significant minutes if his play remains at this level.
2025 Finals statistics: 18 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.5 apg
Argument for him: Williams has stepped up as a reliable co-star for the Thunder, showcasing the statistics to support this claim.
The downside is that he has struggled with consistency and has made some hasty decisions. Nevertheless, his contributions, particularly in shooting and defense, where he frequently faces Pascal Siakam, have been beneficial for OKC.
2025 Finals statistics: 17.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.5 apg
Argument for him: Siakam has been the most dynamic and assertive player for the Pacers in this series, continually putting pressure on the Thunder’s defense. He has drawn double teams from OKC, often managing to break through their defenses — a feat few accomplish against strong teams like the Thunder.
However, he faced challenges in Game 2, shooting just 3-for-11, as the Thunder have started to adjust to his style and recognize his tendencies. Siakam will need to review game footage, anticipate double teams, and seek out open teammates in those scenarios.
* * *
Shaun Powell has been an NBA reporter for over 25 years. You can contact him via email, browse his archive, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
